Ramaphosa defends Black Economic Empowerment amid GNU challenges

President Cyril Ramaphosa replying during the 2026 State of the Nation Address debate. President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday took aim at some partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU), saying the government was committed to redressing the injustices of the past. Speaking during his reply to the State of the Nation Addressdebate, Ramaphosa said they could not redress without transforming the economy.

In a veiled reference to the DA and the Freedom Front Plus, which are calling for the replacement of Black Economic Empowerment, he said those who called for the scrapping of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) touched a raw nerve in him. “There are people in this House, in this debate, who tell us to get rid of the measures that we have put in place to correct this gross historical injustice. “They say we must get rid of broad-based black economic empowerment, falsely claiming that it benefits only a few, falsely claiming that it inhibits economic growth, falsely claiming that it enables corruption.” He defended Black Economic Empowerment, saying there have been real changes in ownership patterns, management control, enterprise development, and skills development.

“Now is not the time to abandon BEE. Now is the time to make it more effective. “ The president urged all to work together to rid the country of the injustices of the past.

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“We must see Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment not as a cost to the economy, but as an investment in the sustainable growth of our economy. “That is why I announced in the State of the Nation Address that we are undertaking a review of our Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment framework to ensure that it supports greater transformation and inclusive growth.” In his response, DA leader John Steenhisen said in a statement that they rejected the protection of BEE, which has benefited only politically connected elites at the expense of the poor, who remain trapped in poverty, locked out of employment, and with little hope of climbing the opportunity ladder.

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